When
15-year-old Peter Parker was bitten by a genetically altered spider he
became faster, stronger, more agile and gained the spider-like ability
to cling to walls. Add web shooters and a costume and Peter becomes
Spider-Man. Eddie Brock, Jr. is Peter’s childhood friend. In search of
his scientist father’s legacy, Eddie came in contact with a symbiotic
suit which transformed him into the monstrous Venom. Ultimate Spider-Man
follows both their Brian Michael Bendis-scripted adventures, as Spidey
attempts to prevent Venom from killing innocents while Venom seeks to
avoid S.H.I.E.L.D.’s machinations. The Ultimate version of the
Spider-Man mythos revamps the franchise, bringing in edgier (and often
younger) versions of famous superheroes and supervillains. The Human
Torch, Wolverine, Electro, and Green Goblin are some of the Ultimate
characters who make appearances. Ultimate Spider-Man features a fully
rendered, cel-shaded Manhattan open to exploration. With few exceptions,
Spider-Man and Venom can explore Manhattan and Queens, climbing,
jumping, and web swinging away. Story missions show up as hot spots on
the map as do other in-game objectives. When the player is done
patrolling (or destroying) the city, they can hit these hot spots to
advance the story. Between story missions, Spider-Man and Venom can
follow race paths, go on combat tours, discover and collect hidden
icons, and help (or hurt) the citizens of New York.